civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms of civilized

• cultured
• polished
• accomplished

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.

Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.

Try to act like a civilized human being!

a civilized way to spend the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

In an era when roads were still rough and driving was still novel, electric automobiles seemed civilized. —Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026

There is a much more civilized way to do this that involves working together with state officials opposed to inserting the administration’s will on a state whose citizens have stood up for their neighbors and said this is not right! —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

But thousands of others travel to the civilized confines of Pasadena, California, to volunteer for the Rose Parade. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Utilizing a far more civilized system, the host at the stand in front of the restaurant gives diners an oddly accurate time to return. —Joel Stein, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized

Rhymes for civilized

• acclimatized
• actualized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised